Online at www.ourtownebethlehem.com
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Then
& Now The Palmer House By Susan E. Leath On South Street in South Bethlehem one cannot get any further south in the Town of Bethlehem than Nicole and Michael Keenan’s Italianate home. South Bethlehem boasts an abundance of Italianate style houses with their broad eaves supported by large brackets, nearly flat roofs, towers and cupolas. They point to the historic nature of the hamlet and suggest its age. The Italianate style was introduced to the U.S. in the 1840s and persisted through the 1870s. Records hint that the Keenan’s home was likely built by the Schaupp family prior 1880, maybe as early as the 1860s. Frederick Schaupp, a native of Germany, and his wife Hester Willsey turn up in the New York State census in 1855 residing in South Bethlehem. The census notes that Frederick had been a resident for only 3 years while Hester had lived there all her life. 15 years later in the 1870 U.S. census Frederick and Hester are raising their family including son Alonzo age 13 and their infant daughter Hannah. Frederick, a tanner, owns real estate valued at $2000, a sizable sum in 1870. He is active in village life including the South Bethlehem United Methodist Church and the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Association. Throughout the late 1880s and 90s, the Schaupp’s are mentioned often by the South Bethlehem Correspondent to the Altamont Enterprise, including the September 1887 elopement of young Hanna which caused “much excitement in our usually quiet 22
The Palmer house about 1920.
village.” In the fall of 1889, the paper noted that “Mr. A. Schaupp is now superintending Mr. Callanan’s pavement in the village of Saugerties.” The Schaupps, Frederick (18271906), Hester (1832-1910), Alonzo (1857-1915) and his wife Ana (18571895) are all buried at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in South Bethlehem. The actual location of the Schaupp’s property is somewhat murky at this time. An 1866 map indicates the Shaupp property is near today’s Willowbrook Avenue. On the other
hand, the 1880 U.S. census notes that the Schaupp’s are the last dwelling to be surveyed in the village – which makes senses as the Keenan’s home is the last in line before the town line. What is perfectly clear is that Alonzo Schaupp, whom the deed describes as “unmarried being a widower,” sold the property to Jessie M. Palmer in 1903. From 1903 until 1945, the property was owned by Jessie and Edwin Palmer. They moved to South Bethlehem sometime after 1892, when according to the New York
Mr. & Mrs. Palmer pose in the same room among the same furnishings in these c.1920 photos. Edwin and Jessie were married in 1884 and had one son, Alden. In this picture, Edwin is 58 and Jessie 56.
’s
Trish Pix Tattered Pages Used Books
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man, who never reads, lives only one!” George R.R. Martin Greetings fellow readers, I recently had a conversation with one of the shop’s great readers who I hadn’t seen in a while. After the obligatory cuddle with Seamus (the #1 In-Store Pet as voted in a recent Capital Region magazine) she shared with me that she had undergone a few eye surgeries. This made reading very difficult. She said that not reading was like going thru addiction withdrawal! Now recovered, she was so pleased to be able to read again. She filled her arms with paperbacks and cashed out with the biggest smile! I believe the quote above from the author of the “Game of Thrones” series, that when one reads it is as if they live thousands of lives. The author’s words take up residence in our head, the setting is imagined, and one has a sideline seat to the action, intrigue, romance & mystery! I have had some wonderfully lively conversations about books with patrons. We agreed that when we are in-sync with a book, we even dream about it when sleeping! I was tagged with the nickname of “Bookworm” when I was still quite young. I taught myself to read (well, Disney books w/ records played an important part) when I was 3. I remember listening to stories along with the 45rpm record, lying on my bed, following the words with my finger. My love of reading tapped into my creative side and I grew in areas of music, dance, & art and was rarely bored as a child. I remember the 60s as a time of bike riding, board game marathons, dance lessons, horseback riding (and grooming horses in barter for riding), learning to play the guitar, listening to music, playing in our “Narnia” (the Pine Bush area of Westmere), drawing, crafting, swimming, singing and reading. We were not “attached to electronics” and we had to research for answers in books. I would babysit for money to buy books at Woolworth’s. I was bedridden for a period of time in 8th grade and asked to have all the books from our basement brought upstairs. I read my father’s Books of Knowledge (a wonderful mix of literature, articles and essays, a kind of potpourri of knowledge from the 1930s), the Golden Book Encyclopedia and the Hardy Boys. I read them cover to cover. Amazing how that “sunken knowledge” pops up even today in my brain, especially during Jeopardy! Reading is still one of the most affordable forms of entertainment; and here at Tattered Pages, with a trade credit account, it is the best source of books outside of a flea market/ garage sale. I have had moments of self-reflection over the name of my shop, Tattered Pages. I had an individual comment that the name connotes old, musty, ripped books! The name came from a famous bookshop in Paris, France, Tea & Tattered Pages, where one can buy English print books and have a cup of tea in the café. We dropped the “Tea” when the shop changed hands. I kept the name when I became owner June, 2013! I have learned so much as the owner of the shop this past year, even though I had managed the store for 7 years! I like people who make the time to read!” We are in this location in Glenmont Center Square now 7 years but many have just “discovered us”.
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If you haven’t ventured into my shop here are a few facts that may entice you to come in to my locally owned/operated bookshop: All books have been previously owned, but many are actually new or in new condition. All books are reduced in price between 20-60% off original publisher’s prices. The shop is “organized” with books in alphabetical order, separated in genres. The store inventory is all on a data base, where I can tell you if a title is in stock. Over 19,000 titles are in my inventory of fiction & non-fiction. Prices start at 75cents! I carry large print books, coffee table size books, some older “collectible books”. I do not accept books left outside the shop in boxes! Who would do that anyways! I do not “buy” books but offer a unique trade credit program that you can ask about. I do not accept encyclopedias, condensed books or any with odor or dirt, right? For every $20 spent you get to choose from a selection of free books. Last year I made close to $3,000 in donations to local charities, events & organizations. If I don’t have a book, I will gladly order a book for you and give you the best break possible! I have a Facebook page: Tattered Pages, LLC and would love you to “Like” us! I accept major credit cards & checks. I put books on reserve for you. Easy to find, right in Glenmont Center Square right next to Romo’s Pizzeria. I would hope that you might come to see what a unique little store with a huge selection can offer. From Sci-Fi to Romance to History to Children’s to Crafting to Religion to Cookbooks to Mystery, I have something for everyone. For the month of June, I am offering an additional 10% off on all children’s books from board book to young adult! You could easily purchase 3 chapter books for under $10! Don’t forget to use Tattered Pages for your child’s required reading list. If I don’t have it in the shop, I will get it for you at great prices where I pass the savings on to you! My recommendations for this month are: “Paper Towns” by John Green, “Heart Shaped Box” by Joe Hill, and I will be finishing Karen Marie Moning’s “Iced” in the next few days, then I am on to Stephen King’s “Joyland”. For your beach read, poolside adventure, picnic romance…check out Tattered Pages! Until next month…Happy Reading!
Trish, Seamus & Linda at Tattered Pages Open: M, T, W: 9:30-5pm Th: 9:30-6:30, F: 9:30-7pm, Sat. 10-4pm www.tatteredpages365.webs.com #447-9910, mytatteredpages@gmail.com
Local support helps Delmar Ten-year-old Aidan Raffe of Delmar recently returned from a very special trip to Florida, as a result of a unique partnership between Make-A-Wish and some local supporters who helped make his wish come true. Aidan suffers from life-threatening medical challenges including severe digestive issues, and this trip was an important break – and an adventure he will never forget. He was referred for the wish through Make-A-Wish, and he and his family were scheduled for a trip to Florida, with visits to LegoLand, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, and SeaWorld. The family stayed at their own villa at Give Kids the World Village, a resort designed specifically for families and kids with serious medical issues. The local Make-A-Wish chapter, which depends upon community support to grant 90+ wishes annually, found help for Aidan’s wish close to home. Gary Sancilio of Delmar, a volunteer board member for the local chapter, was aware of the pending wish, and brought his business, his wife Christine, and his friends into the picture to help make the wish a reality. Gary, a founding partner at The Affinity Group and cogeneral agent of MassMutual’s Albany agency, established the initial funding. He then garnered support from friends Michael and Louise Lounsbery, Christopher and Christine Edwards, Andrea Crisafulli Russo, and John and Karen Tozzi. Gary said this was a unique opportunity, getting individuals from across the Bethlehem community involved in an “Adopt-A-Wish” effort. “It was a chance to get local individuals and businesspersons involved, along with a larger company, to have a local impact,” he said. “It was great to see the support to help Aidan and kids like him,” he added. With the financial support offered by this informal circle of friends, Aidan and his family enjoyed a trip they will never forget. Upon their return, the family couldn’t wait to share their experience with those who helped make it happen. Aidan’s parents, Lauren and Michael Raffe, visited Gary’s office one afternoon early in May to meet their wish supporters, bringing stacks of photos, lots of stories, and heartfelt thanks. According to Chapter CEO William Trigg, this meeting was a great opportunity to “share the power of a wish,” with all those who were involved. “This really shows what impact a wish can have, and it’s a great way to see it on a personal level,” he said. “In fact,” he added, “it’s important that all of our donors know that their support stays local to help local kids.” According to Aidan’s mom, the wish was “an amazing adventure,” adding that from the time they got on the plane for Orlando, to the moment he arrived back home, “Aidan couldn’t stop smiling.” She added that there were 38
so many acts of caring by the staff at Give Kids the World, and at the parks, that “it was like there was this huge conspiracy just to make Aidan feel special,” she said. There were more than a few glistening eyes in the Affinity Group conference room as the parents described how much it meant to Aidan, and the whole family, to have this wish experience. “It’s hard to explain sometimes how difficult it can be to have a child with a serious medical condition,” said dad Michael. “Everyone at Make-A-Wish, the parks, and at Give Kids the World teamed up and worked together to make the experience seem simple and easy for us,” he said. The fact that the people gathered in the room helped to directly support the wish made it even more special, and “much more personal,” he said. To those local supporters, the meeting was a chance to see how their generosity directly impacted a local family. The parents heard plenty of thanks from the group for sharing their very personal story, and allowing everyone to see the impact of their support. Several said that the stories of the trip made it seem as though they were part of the wish adventure. Those stories included a highlight for Aidan: a visit with his favorite superhero character, Spiderman. Almost unable to control his excitement, Aidan even invited Spiderman to have a play date at his house. Spiderman told Aidan that if he ever makes his way to New York, he would be “sure to swing by!” Michael said that their boys, Aidan and his big brother Lucas, experienced many “firsts” on this trip: the limo ride, the plane ride, horseback riding, and seeing lots of new wildlife like manatees. But even with all the excitement, he said that the relaxed time was also important. “It was great to have low-key time, just to be together as a family,” he said. “We are all still on a high,” Aidan’s mother Lauren said. “The trip was wonderful, and created such great family memories. Now, this chance to meet those who helped make this wish possible just makes it more personal. We thank you all for helping to make this wish come true!”
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thanks Businesses & Organizations for Annual Campaign Support As I write this column, I cannot get the song “I’ve Been Working On the Railroad” out of my head. There are certainly more catchy and current songs to be humming. However, no other tune captures how the number of YMCAs in the United States increased along with the growth of railroads during the 1800’s and early 1900’s. As rail lines expanded, rail terminals were constructed in many cities and thousands of jobs were created. At the end of a long day, rail workers needed places to relax, eat, shower, and sleep.
country at the time. The New York Central even helped pay the operating costs of the Y facility by contributing $125 per month. On December 2, 1900, a ceremony was held to commemorate paying off the Albany railroad YMCA. At the event, Central Railway Club member A.M. Waitt noted the buildings’ “exceptionally fine and commanding location and its unusually complete equipment for the comfort and development of its members.” Waitt also pointed out that that even then, the Y’s mission was to be more than just a gym. He urged the Y to become a “beacon light” and concluded by saying “if every member will do his part, great results may be accomplished. Let it be remembered that the highest aim of your work is not simply to improve and refresh the body and mind, but to elevate the spirit.” Railroad YMCAs gradually phased out with the development of diesel locomotives, shrinking lodging demand for rail workers and, of course, the invention of the automobile and its impact on rail travel. The railroad Ys may be gone, but the Y’s basic mission of building a healthy body, mind and spirit and strengthening the community, has not changed. Even 114 years ago, the YMCA was much more than a gym, and it still is.
To care for them, the federal government, railroad companies and the YMCA, partnered to build facilities across the country called “railroad YMCAs.” The first was built in Cleveland in 1872. They soon spread to Chicago, Baltimore, Boston, Detroit and other cities. Railroad Ys provided clean beds, good meals, and hot showers, and also addressed the educational, spiritual, and recreational needs of the workers with Bible study, instructional courses on a variety of subjects, organized sports, and other activities. The New York State YMCA invited Cornelius Vanderbilt, founder of the New York Central, to become a director of the state Association, then asked him to open a railroad YMCA in his newly-constructed Grand Central Station. It was opened in 1875 in the station basement. Today, it’s at 224 East 47th street. Along with that original Y, came the continued financial support of the Vanderbilt family. The east-side YMCA that was renamed the “Vanderbilt YMCA” in honor of the significant role that Cornelius Vanderbilt and his heirs played in its history. When the New York Central came north, a railroad YMCA was built on Watervliet Avenue in West Albany in 1877, near the New York Central Railroad yards. At a cost of $80,000, it was the fourth most expensive YMCA in the 52
Member, Bethlehem YMCA Board of Advisors Baycolumns.blogspot.com
Mark Hansen 518-439-4394